Trump appoints Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi as ambassador to Tunisia

US President Donald Trump has appointed Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi as the next US ambassador to Tunisia, making him the second Metro Detroit mayor selected for a diplomatic post within a week.

Trump praised Bazzi, a Lebanese-born US Marine veteran, for his military service, engineering career with Boeing and Ford, and international collaborations. “Bazzi is a decorated U.S. Marine, who honorably served our country for 21 years, collaborating with U.S. Embassy Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Leaders throughout the world,” Trump stated on Truth Social.

Bazzi, 61, has served as mayor since 2021 becoming the first Muslim and Arab-American mayor to be elected in the city. He later won a four-year term with 72 per cent of the vote. His work has included diplomatic partnerships, including a 2023 trip to Jordan through the State Department and Arab American Institute.

READ: US: 3 Michigan cities gets first Muslim, Arab mayors

In a Facebook post, Bazzi expressed gratitude for the appointment. “Among the distinct countries I have visited over the years, I hold a great affinity to Tunisia and its honorable parliament members—along with the people I met while touring orphanages, women’s career institutions, schools, and a multitude of companies,” he wrote.

Bazzi’s appointment follows Trump’s selection of Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib as US ambassador to Kuwait. Both mayors have publicly supported Trump, with Bazzi endorsing him in October, citing his stance on Middle East policy and immigration.

Bazzi also voiced concerns about Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, where he has family ties. “The home that my grandparents built was just destroyed a few days ago in south Lebanon,” he said in an October press call with Republican leaders.

In December Bazzi appointed the city’s first Muslim and first Arab American police chief in history, Hussein Farhat, who became interim chief. A month later, the city announced Farhat was no longer chief and named Ahmed Haider as the new chief, sparking outrage from some residents.